When my mom passed away, my sister and I spent a week going through all her belongings. At first the task was overwhelming but it quickly gave way to a feeling of intense interest. All her saved letters, documents, books, record albums, operas, stamp collections and household items - all combined to form a historical record not just of the life of my mother - but that of my sisters, myself, extended family and close friends.

 

This catalog of our life is recorded in digital photographs of all this memorablia - a repository of all the things that had significance for my mother and things that inspire me to remember her by.

 

My mother had many hobbies and interests. She loved music – she was an accomplished musician – she loved opera, and books. She collected Israeli stamps, coins and medals, loved Jewish culture and all things Israeli – she was - I think - the Jewish peoples biggest fan. She was also a nursing professional – with a Masters Degree - almost unheard of back in the 1970’s – and she loved animals.

 

Along the way, she collected many sincere lifelong friends and nurtured many genuine loving relationships. She was sincere in all that she did.

 

I thank my mother for being kind, supportive, loving and caring to me – no matter what - and for teaching me by her example, what it meant to live a fulfilling life.

 

I admire her ceaseless commitment to her beloved Jewish people and Israel and for having the courage of her convictions.

Her lasting legacy to me will be about love – she just loved so much.

 

She will be missed but not forgotten.

 

Sonia Goldstein

• Born August 26th, 1924

• Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother      musician and nursing professional.

- Sadly left us on February 11th, 2016.

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